Visible light communication locks

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to visible light communication (VLC) for locks. A VLC smart lock apparatus may include a photodetector, a VLC decoder, a controller, a memory, a lock, and/or other components. The photodetector may be configured to receive visible light emitted from a hardware key device. The VLC decoder may be coupled to the photodetector and configured to decode the visible light received by the photodetector to obtain a key code. The memory may be configured to store a preset key code. The controller may be coupled to the VLC decoder, the memory, and the lock. The controller may be configured to unlock the lock when the preset key code is associated with the key code.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/401,818, filed on Sep. 29, 2016,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/401,837, filed on Sep. 29,2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/401,811, filed on Sep.29, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/417,127, filed onNov. 3, 2016, the entire contents of all of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to locks, and more specifically tolocks using visible light communication.

BACKGROUND

Locks may refer to security devices/tools used to restrict access totangible things (e.g., buildings, structures, containers, vehicles) orintangible things (e.g., accounts, information). Smart locks may referto locks that use electronics/software to operate. For example, a smartlock may include a wirelessly-controlled electronic locks. A wirelesselectronic lock may use an electronic key (i.e., an electronic card) tocontrol a lock remotely without using a traditional key. The electroniccard, when brought near the electronic lock, may transmit a wirelesssignal (including a key) to be received by a receiver embedded inside alock to unlock it. Keys may be transmitted using radio-frequency (RF)signals of various types, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and/or otherwireless RF technologies.

Such smart locks suffer from deficiencies of RF communication. First, RFcommunication may be insecure. Signals transmitted using RFcommunication may be intercepted by an entity using an RF signalreceiver. The entity may decode the signals to obtain the keys and openthe locks. Second, RF communication may be unreliable. Signalstransmitted using RF communication may be disrupted by nearby RF signalwithin the same frequency spectrum, which may result in malfunctions(e.g., jamming, accidental opening) of the locks. Moreover, signaltransmitted using RF communication may not be adequately received by thelock receiver (e.g., due to poor wireless signal quality, environmentalfactors, or device pairing issues), which may cause electronictriggering problem for the locks (e.g., a user may be required toattempt to open the lock many times). Third, RF-based wirelesscommunication is invisible to humans, making wireless operations ofelectronic locks neither intuitive nor user-friendly.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates to visible light communication (VLC) for locks.In one aspect of the disclosure, a VLC smart lock apparatus may includea photodetector, a VLC decoder, a controller, a memory, a lock, and/orother components. The photodetector may be configured to receive visiblelight emitted from a hardware key device. The VLC decoder may be coupledto the photodetector and configured to decode the visible light receivedby the photodetector to obtain a key code. The memory may be configuredto store a preset key code. The controller may be coupled to the VLCdecoder, the memory, and the lock. The controller may be configured tounlock the lock when the preset key code is associated with the keycode.

In some implementations, the key code may comprise an identification ofthe hardware key device. The controller may be configured to unlock thelock when preset key code is associated with the identification of thehardware key device.

In some implementations, the hardware key device may comprise asmartphone, and the identification of the smartphone may be selectedfrom a group consisting of an IMEI number, a MEID number, a productserial number, and a phone number of the smartphone. In someimplementations, the hardware key device may comprise a firstsmartphone, and the first smartphone may be configured to receive thekey code from a second smartphone remotely via wireless communication.In some implementations, the first smartphone may be configured toreceive the key code from the second smartphone via text messaging.

In some implementations, the hardware key device may be configured toobtain biometric information of a user. The key code may comprise anidentification of the user based on the biometric information of theuser. The controller may be configured to unlock the lock when presetkey code is associated with an identification of the user.

In some implementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus may furthercomprise an input device for inputting the preset key code. In someimplementations, the input device may comprise a field programming tool.

In some implementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus may furthercomprise an LED and a VLC encoder. The LED may be configured as a VLCtransmitter to emit visible light in accordance with a VLC signal. TheVLC encoder configured to encode the VLC signal.

In some implementations, the controller, the memory, and the VLC decodermay be integrated in an integrated circuit (IC).

In some implementations, the lock may comprise/be embedded in a door.For example, the lock may comprise/be embedded in a door lock for avehicle. The lock may comprise/be embedded in a door lock for a garage,and the hardware key device may comprise a light of a car. The lock maycomprise/be embedded in a bicycle lock. In some implementations, the VLCsmart lock apparatus may further comprise a battery to power the VLCsmart lock apparatus and a photovoltaic (PV) panel configured to chargethe battery. Some PV pixels may be configures as PDs to receive VLCsignals emitted from the LED.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an integrated circuit for a VLC smartlock apparatus may comprise a VLC signal channel, a VLC decoder, acontroller, a memory, and/or other components. The VLC signal channelmay be configured to receive a digital signal from a photodetectorconfigured to receive visible light emitted from a hardware key device.The VLC decoder may be coupled to the VLC signal channel and configuredto decode the digital signal from the photodetector to obtain a keycode. The memory may be configured to store a preset key code. Thecontroller may be coupled to the VLC decoder and the memory. Thecontroller may be configured to determine whether the preset key code isassociated with the key code.

In some implementations, the key code may comprise an identification ofthe hardware key device. The preset key code may be associated with tothe identification of the hardware key device.

In some implementations, the hardware key device may comprises asmartphone, and the identification may be selected from a groupconsisting of an IMEI number, a MEID number, a product serial number anda phone number of the smartphone.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit for the VLC smart lockapparatus may further comprise an input port for inputting the presetkey code. In some implementations, the preset key code may be fieldprogrammable.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit for the VLC smart lockapparatus may further comprise an LED and a VLC encoder. The LED may beconfigured as a VLC transmitter to emit visible light in accordance witha VLC signal. The VLC encoder may be configured to encode the VLCsignal.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit for the VLC smart lockapparatus may further comprise the photodetector. In someimplementations, the integrated circuit may comprise a System-on-a-Chip(SoC) system. The controller, the memory, and the VLC decoder may befabricated on a first portion of a silicon substrate, and thephotodetector may be fabricated from silicon or a compound semiconductorisland selectively grown on a second portion of the silicon substrate.In some implementations, the compound semiconductor may be GaN.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit may be packaged in aSystem-in-a-Package (SiP) system. The controller, the memory, and theVLC decoder may be fabricated on a silicon substrate, and thephotodetector may be fabricated from a compound semiconductor.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit may be embedded in afirst device in a payment system. In some implementations, the hardwarekey device may comprise a second device in the payment system.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the systemand/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation andfunctions of the related elements of structure and the combination ofparts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent uponconsideration of the following description and the appended claims withreference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly and are not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates example VLC smart lock apparatus and hardware keydevice in accordance with some implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates example master-slave relay smartphones in accordancewith some implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example VLC bicycle lock in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example block diagram of an integrated circuit forVLC smart lock apparatus in accordance with some implementations of thedisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example receiver system-on-a-chip in accordancewith some implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example receiver system-in-a package system inaccordance with some implementations of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate example coding methods in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosure.

FIGS. 11-12 illustrate example payment systems in accordance with someimplementations of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to VLC for locks. Locks controlled using VLC mayprovide enhanced security measures, greater reliability and visibilitythan locks controlled using RF communication. VLC refers to wirelesscommunication using visible light to transmit and receivedata/information. Particular data/information may be transmitted basedon the light be turned on and off. For example, LEDs may be switchedON/OFF at high speed to tens of MHz without flickering to human eyes.The fast ON/OFF of LEDs is equivalent to modulation, enabling wirelessVLC at very high data rates. VLC may provide greater spectrum of usethan RF wireless communication. Visible light, being radiation harmless,may allow for use of more emission power for higher data rates/strongersignals without risking human health. Because VLC requires line-of-sight(between emitter and receiver) for use, VLC may provide higher securitythan RF wireless communication that is ubiquitous. Unlike RF wirelesscommunication, signal transmitted using VLC may not be interceptedwithout the intercepting entity having access to the light of sightbetween the VLC emitter and the VLC receiver. For example, a VLC smartlock may be implemented as a near-field lock that requires a user toplace the LED key device close to the smart lock, preventing others from“stealing” the visible light signal. VLC may co-exist and/or complementRF wireless communication. That is, RF wireless communication does notinterfere with VLC (signal transmitted using VLC is not disrupted by RFwireless communication) and the VLC smart lock may operate reliablyregardless of nearby RF wireless communication. Moreover, a VLC smartlock may be used in conjunction with RF wireless communication.

FIG. 1 illustrates a VLC smart lock apparatus 100 and a hardware keydevice 150. The VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may include a photodetector102, a VLC decoder 104, a controller 106, a memory 108, a lock 110,and/or other components. In some implementations, the controller 106,the memory 108, and/or the VLC decoder 104 may be integrated in anintegrated circuit, as described below.

The photodetector 102 (e.g., light receiver, image sensor, photodiode)may be configured to receive visible light emitted from the hardware keydevice 150. The photodetector 102 may receive a key signal encoded inthe visible light (light signals) and convert the light signals intoelectronic signals. The received light-converted electronic signals maybe processed by a receiver logic/circuitry and the signals may beamplified by an amplifier circuit.

The hardware key device 150 may replace traditional keys. The hardwarekey device 150 may include an LED 152, which transmits visible lightincluding VLC signals/key codes. The hardware key device 150 may includelogics (implemented in hardware and/or software) used to include the VLCsignals/key codes in the transmitted visible light. For example, thehardware key device 150 may include an interface logic/circuit, a codinglogic/circuit, and a modulation logic/circuit. The interfacelogic/circuit may receive key signals that will be coded for the “openthe lock” signals by the coding logic/circuit. The coding logic/circuitmay implement lock security by encrypting the key signals using one ormore encryption methods. The modulation logic/circuit may modulate theoperation of the LED 152 with the key signals, i.e., switching ON/OFFthe LED 152 in accordance with the key signals. In some implementations,the key signals may be amplified by a driver circuit to drive the LED152 (i.e., turn on the LED bulb). The LED 152 may emits the encrypted“open the lock” signals via the light to the VLC smart lock apparatus100.

Referring to the VLC smart lock apparatus 100, the VLC decoder 104 maybe directly or indirectly coupled to the photodetector 102. The VLCdecoder 104 may be configured to decode the visible light received bythe photodetector 102 to obtain one or more key codes. That is, the(amplified) light-converted electronic signals may be processed (e.g.,decoded, demodulated) by the VLC decoder 104 to retrieve the key codesembedded in the visible light transmitted by the hardware key device150. In some implementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 mayinclude/implement varying-gain amplification logic/circuitry/techniqueto counter background light noises.

The controller 106 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the VLCdecoder 104, the memory 108, and the lock 110. The memory 108 (includingpermanent and/or temporary memory) may be configured to store one ormore preset key codes. The lock 110 may include one or more mechanical(e.g., padlocks, deadbolts, spring locks, cylinder locks) and/orsoftware (e.g., access-control) locking mechanism. Coupling between thecomponents of the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may include one or moreelectrical coupling and/or one or more mechanical coupling. For example,coupling between the controller 106 and the VLC decoder 104/memory 108may include one or more electronical connections. Coupling between thecontroller 106 and the lock 110 may include one or more electronicalconnections and/or one or more mechanical connections.

One or more components of the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may beimplemented via software, via hardware, or both software and hardware.For example, the VLC decoder 104 may be implemented via hardware toimplement the logics to decode key codes from visible light received bythe photodetector 102. As another example, the VLC decoder 104 may beimplemented via a processor executing computer-executable instructionsstored in computer-readable medium to decode the key codes from visiblelight received by the photodetector 102.

Although components of the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 are shown inFIG. 1 as separate blocks, this is merely for ease of reference and isnot limiting. In some implementations, one or more components of the VLCsmart lock apparatus 100 may be contained within a single or multiplecomponents.

The controller 106 may be configured to unlock the lock 110 when thepreset key code(s) stored in the memory 108 is associated with the keycode(s) decoded from the visible light received from the hardware keydevice 150. A preset key code being associated with a key code mayinclude the whole or a portion of the preset key code being matched tothe whole or a portion of the key code/value derived from the key code.Based on matching between the preset key code stored in the memory 108and the key code decoded from the visible light received from thehardware key device 150, the controller may trigger electrical and/ormechanical components to open the lock 110 (give access totangible/intangible thing restricted by the lock 110). In someimplementations, the controller 106 may be configured to lock the lock110 based on reception of command/key code from the hardware key device150.

In some implementations, the key code may comprise an identification ofthe hardware key device 150. The controller 106 may be configured tounlock the lock 110 when preset key code is associated with theidentification of the hardware key device 150. For example, the hardwarekey device 150 may comprise a smartphone, and the identification of thesmartphone may be selected from a group consisting of an IMEI number, aMEID number, a product serial number, and a phone number of thesmartphone. Opto-electronic transmitter components of the hardware keydevice 150 may be implemented via hardware and/or software (e.g., a lockApp that includes encryption and modulation software to modulateLED/flashlight) in the smartphone. In some implementations, one or morelighting components (e.g., LED, flashlight) of the smartphone may beused as the LED 152. Hence, the smartphone LED/flashlight may serve adual purpose: as an LED/flashlight and a light transmitter for the VLCsmart lock apparatus 100.

In some implementations, VLC smart lock apparatus 100 and the hardwarekey device 150 may communicate interactively via VLC. VLC smart lockapparatus 100 may include a light transmitter (e.g., LED) and thehardware key device 150 may include a light sensor (e.g., PD). In someimplementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 and the hardware keydevice 150 may each include a pair of light transmitter and lightsensor. In some implementations, rather than using discrete lighttransmitter and light sensor, the light transmitter and the light sensormay be integrated into one device (e.g., one visible light transceiverdie). For example, a traditional LED flash device in a smartphone may bedesigned and fabricated as one integrated light chip where the LED partmay be optimized for high light emission efficiency and output lightpower, while the PD may be optimized for ultra-high light detectionsensitivity being able to receive very weak light signals. The CMOSimager device of a smartphone may be designed to have certain pixelsoptimized as PD receiving devices. Such integration of optical devicesmay improve performance and reliability, as well as reducing the sizesof opto-electronic circuitry for the VLC lock devices.

In some implementations, one or more components of the hardware keydevice 150 may be implemented as a plug-in device for another computingdevice. For example, rather than designing the LED of a smartphone totransmit modulated key code using light, a plug-in LED device (includingVLC transmitter IC and LED) may be provided to be connected to thesmartphone (e.g., via audio jack, USB connection). The plug-in LEDdevice for use via audio jacks may receive key code to be modulated viaone or more audio files and/or one or more digital files.

In some implementations, the hardware key device 150 may be configuredto obtain biometric information of a user. The key code may comprise anidentification of the user based on the biometric information of theuser. The controller 106 may be configured to unlock the lock 110 whenpreset key code (stored in the memory 108) is associated (e.g., matched)with an identification of the user. Use of biometric information mayprovide security against the hardware key device 150 being misused(e.g., stolen) by an unauthorized user. For example, the VLC smart lockapparatus 100 may utilize two separate levels of security. The firstlevel may include the use of the identification of the hardware keydevice 150, as discussed above. The second level may includeverification of the user's identify through biometric informationauthentication (e.g., facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, irisrecognition). The biometric information may be obtained using componentsof the hardware key device 150 and/or other components. For example, thehardware key device 150 may include a smartphone and the user'sbiometric information may be obtained using the smartphone's built insensors (e.g., built-in fingerprint sensor, built-in CMOS imager).

In some implementations, one or more of the security measures describedherein may be implement using hardware. For example, referring to theexample of smartphone hardware key device, the IMEI and MEID number, theuser biometric information, and/or other information may be hardcodedinto a programmable memory circuity. A full duplex VLC light transceivercircuit for the interactive checking functions may be designed andfabricated as part of the lock system on a chip. One or more electronicprogramming tools may be used to allow the users to program andre-program (modify) the security checking circuitry.

In some implementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may furthercomprise an input device for inputting the preset key code. For example,the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may include button(digital/mechanical), voice input, image sensor, QR sensor, and/or othersensors which may be used by a user to input the preset key code forstorage in the memory 108. In some implementations, the input device maycomprise one or more field programming tools.

In some implementations, the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 may furthercomprise an LED and a VLC encoder. The LED may be configured as a VLCtransmitter to emit visible light in accordance with a VLC signal. TheVLC encoder may be configured to encode the VLC signal. Through the LEDand the VLC encoder, the smart lock apparatus 100 may communicate backand forth with the hardware key device 150 and/or other VLC devices.Such interactivity between the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 and thehardware key device 150 may provide further level of security for theVLC locks. For example, the hardware key device 150 may send an “open”light signal to the VLC smart lock apparatus 100 via the LED 152. TheVLC smart lock apparatus 100 may use its LED to send back a light signalcontaining a security question to the hardware key device 150. Thesecurity question may be rolling and may be modified regularly by theusers/VLC smart lock apparatus 100. The security question may need to beanswered correctly by a user through the hardware key device 150 inorder for the lock 110 to be opened by the controller 106.

In some implementations, a master-slave relay system may be used toprovide key codes for use by the hardware key device 150. For example,as shown in FIG. 2, two different smartphones 210, 220 may be used. Thesmartphone 210 may include LED 212 and imager 214. The smartphone 220may include LED 222 and imager 224. The smartphone 220 may be configuredto receive one or more key codes from the smartphone 210, or vice versa.The key codes may be exchanged using wireless communication (e.g.,cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth) of the smartphones 210, 220. The wirelesscommunication may include direct communication between the smartphones210, 220 or indirect communication between the smartphones 210, 220. Forexample, referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication 230 may beindirectly sent from the smartphone 210 to the smartphone 220 through awireless communication relay 235 (e.g., cellular tower, router). Thewireless communication 230 may include communication formatted ascommands, notifications, text messages, emails, and/or othercommunication formats. The smartphone 220 may use the key codes receivedfrom the smartphone 210 to emits the “open the lock” signals via the LED222 to the PD 202 of the smart lock apparatus 200 (which includes IC 204to operate the locking mechanism(s) based on the signal received fromthe smartphone 220).

In some implementations, the master device may generate the key signalsusing encryption codes, and the slave device may operate as a passivekey to transmit visible light containing the key signals generated bythe master device. This master-slave configuration may provideadditional level of security and/or flexibility. The master device maybe used to generate real-time encrypted codes from a distance and sendthe key codes through wireless communication to the slave device forone-time/limited use of key codes. For example, after a VLC smart lockapparatus receives the “open” light signal from a slave device, the lockelectronic circuitry may verify the user's authentication. After theverification, the VLC smart lock may send a “disable”/“reduce” lightsignal to the slave device to disable/decrement the number of uses ofthe key code before “opening” the lock. Thus, the slave device may onlyopen the lock one time/limited number of times.

VLC locks disclosed herein may be used in a variety ofsituations/environments. For example, a VLC lock may beembedded/configured to be embedded in a door (e.g., as part of the doorlock). For example, the VLC lock may be embedded/configured to beembedded in a door of a vehicle. Many vehicles use remote control keysutilizing RF wireless communication. The use of RF wirelesscommunication for vehicles may be unsafe, unreliable and invisible asdescribed above. By using VLC locks for vehicle doors, the security andreliability of vehicle door locks may be improved, and its operation isvisible to human eyes. In some implementations, for light-controlledvehicle key/lock system, unique vehicle VIN number and/or other vehicleidentifiers may be coded into the hardware key device and/or thehardware key device identifier (e.g., IMEI, MEID number) may be codedinto the VLC smart lock apparatus. Field programming tools may be usedto modify the coded information as needed.

As another example, a VLC lock may be embedded/configured to be embeddedin a door lock for a garage, and the hardware key device may comprise(e.g., implemented through, embedded in) a light of a car. For thegarage smart lock system, the VLC smart lock apparatus may be installedin or near the garage door to receive the key signal from the hardwarekey device. For example, the VLC smart lock apparatus may beembedded/configured to be embedded in a door of a garage. The hardwarekey device may be installed in the vehicle (e.g., implemented through,embedded in headlight, tail light). A driver/passenger of the vehiclemay use the light of the vehicle to transmit open/unlock, close/locksignals to the VLC smart lock apparatus. Many garage door systems useremotely control keys utilizing RF wireless communication. The use of RFwireless communication for structures may be unsafe and unreliable asdescribed above. By using VLC locks for garage doors, the security andreliability of garage door locks may be improved. In someimplementations, for light-controlled garage key/lock system, uniquevehicle VIN number and/or other vehicle identifiers may be coded intothe VLC smart lock apparatus and/or the smart lock apparatus identifiermay be coded into the hardware key device. Field programming tools maybe used to modify the coded information as needed.

As another example, a VLC lock may be embedded/configured to be embeddedin a bicycle lock. An example bicycle lock 300 is shown in FIG. 3. Thebicycle lock 300 may include a VLC smart lock apparatus that unlocks thebicycle lock 300 based on reception of the appropriate key code via VLCfrom a hardware key device. In some implementations, the bicycle lockmay 300 further comprise a battery to power the VLC smart lockapparatus. In some implementations, the bicycle lock 300 may furthercomprise a photovoltaic (PV) panel 310 configured to charge the battery.The photovoltaic panel 310 may include one or more arrays of PV cells(e.g., solar cells). Such may provide power to the VLC smart lockapparatus in situations where other power source (e.g., power plug) maynot be available to charge the battery. In some implementations, one ormore PV cells may be converted into a visible light PD devices/pixels320 configured to receive light signals from a hardware key device. ThePV cell reconfigured as PD pixels can be arranged at different locationson the PV panel, which would make it easier to receive a VLC signal.Similarly, the VLC lock may have more than one PD that are arranged atdifferent locations on a lock panel, which makes it easier to get alight signal from a LED/smartphone.

The usages of VLC locks for vehicle door, garage door, and the bicyclelock described above are provided merely for illustrative purposes andare not meant to be limiting. VLC locks may be used for otherstructures/things/applications.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an integrated circuit 400 for aVLC smart lock apparatus. The integrated circuit 400 may comprise a VLCsignal channel 402, a VLC decoder 404, a controller 406, a memory 408,and/or other components. The VLC signal channel 402 (e.g., physicaltransmission medium and/or logical connection or medium used to conveyinformation signals) may be configured to receive a digital signal froma photodetector configured to receive visible light emitted from ahardware key device. The VLC decoder 404 may be directly or indirectlycoupled to the VLC signal channel 402. The VLC decoder 404 may beconfigured to decode the digital signal from the photodetector (receivedthrough the VLC signal channel 402) to obtain one or more key code. Thememory 408 may be configured to store one or more preset key codes. Thecontroller 406 may be coupled to the VLC decoder 404 and the memory 408.The controller 406 may be configured to determine whether the preset keycode(s) is associated with the key code(s). One or more components ofthe integrated circuit 400 may include hardware/software/logic and/oroperate as described above with respect to the VLC smart lock apparatus100 (shown in FIG. 1).

In some implementations, the integrated circuit 400 may further comprisean input port for inputting the preset key code. The input port mayreceive user input defining/specifying the preset key code. The inputport may be configured to receive input signals via buttons(digital/mechanical), voice input, image sensor, QR sensor, and/or othersensors which may be used by a user to input the preset key code forstorage in the memory 408

In some implementations, the integrated circuit 400 may further comprisean LED and a VLC encoder. The LED may be configured as a VLC transmitterto emit visible light in accordance with a VLC signal. The VLC encodermay be configured to encode the VLC signal. The LED and the VLC encoderof the integrated circuit 400 may be used to effectuate communicationwith a hardware key device.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit 400 may further comprisethe photodetector. For example, the integrated circuit may include aphotodetector coupled to the VLC signal channel 402. In someimplementations, the VLC signal channel may be part of thephotodetector.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit 400 may comprise areceiver system-on-a-chip (SoC) system 500, shown in FIG. 5. Thecontroller 506, the memory 508, and the VLC decoder 504 may befabricated on a first portion of a silicon substrate 510, and thephotodetector 502 may be fabricated from silicon or a compoundsemiconductor island selectively grown on a second portion of thesilicon substrate. In some implementations, the compound semiconductormay be GaN. The components of the receiver SoC 500 may include/implementone or more of amplifier, decoder, demodulator, trigger (forunlocking/locking) a lock, and/or other components/functionalities.

A 3D heterogeneous integration technology may be used to integrate theSi IC(s) with LED(s) on a single semiconductor substrate. The IC(s) maybe designed and fabricated on a Si wafer. After standard IC fabrication,selective growth of GaN (or other direct bandgap semiconductors formaking LEDs) may be performed on top of the Si substrate using variousgrowth techniques (e.g., MBE or CVD methods) to make the LED devices.For example, GaN islands may be grown on Si, which will form the LEDdevices. The selective GaN growth technique may eliminate the long-termchallenge in growing large area or wafer scale GaN film on the full Siwafer (the GaN film quality may be poor due to crystalline mismatchbetween Si and GaN materials). In some implementations, multiple bufferlayers may be used between the Si substrate and the GaN layer to resolvethe semiconductor lattice mismatch. Thus, the control circuit and theLED may be integrated into one single-chip SoC die. The advantage forthe SoC solution includes small and thin footprint, while achieving highperformance and reliability.

In some implementations, one or more components of a hardware key devicemay be integrated into a SoC (transmitter SOC). A transmitter SOC mayinclude integrations of one or more of LED, driver, coder, modulator,and/or other components.

In some implementations, the integrated circuit 400 may be packaged in areceiver system-in-a-package (SiP) system 600, shown in FIG. 6. Thecontroller 606, the memory 608, and the VLC decoder 604 may befabricated on a silicon substrate, and the photodetector 602 may befabricated from a compound semiconductor. The components may befabricated from a single die (receiver die 610). In someimplementations, one or more components of a hardware key device may beintegrated into a SiP (transmitter SiP). A transmitter SiP may includefabrications of one or more of LED, driver, coder, modulator, and/orother components on a single die.

In some implementations, a VLC lock device (e.g., VLC smart lockapparatus, hardware key device) may utilize a combination of SoC and SiPtechnology where the components are packaged in a single system package.Typically, electronic circuits may be implemented as an integratedcircuit fabricated using Silicon wafers, while LED devices may be madein compound semiconductors (e.g. GaN) for high opto-electronic (OE)conversion efficiency. As such, the Si ICs may not be integrated withLED devices in the same semiconductor substrate. As a solution,electronic circuits of a VLC lock device may be made as one piece of ICfabricated in a Si wafer (e.g., one Si IC die) (considered a sub-SoC).In parallel, the LED devices may be made in a GaN substrate (or otherdirect bandgap compound semiconductors). The Si IC die (sub-SoC) and theLED die may be put together into one SoC+SiP module using variouspackaging technologies, such as, flip-chip or stacked-chip methods. Theinterconnects between the SoC IC die and LED die may be be formed usingthrough-silicon via (TSV) (for vertical electronic connection) andinterposer layer (complex electronic connection between dies are made ona separate substrate plane with complex metal routes for circuitinterconnects). The advantage of SiP solution includes a small footprintwhile achieving high performance and reliability of electronics.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate example coding methods for operating VLC lockdevices. Referring to FIG. 7, a smartphone may be used as a hardware keydevice. At step 710, initialization may include requesting permission touse LED of the smartphone. At step 720, idle may indicate that the LEDof the smartphone is ready to be used. At step 730, a button(mechanical, digital) press of the smartphone may be detected. At step740, the LED may be driven following a VLC protocol, with sequences ofbits “0” and “1” represented by the width of the optical pulse totransmit the necessary information (e.g., key code, open signal, locksignal) via visible light. At step 750, the operation may end.

Referring to FIG. 8, a smartphone may be used as a hardware key device.At step 810, initialization may include requesting permission to use LEDof the smartphone. Initialization may include setting an SMS messagelistener. At step 820, idle may indicate that the LED of the smartphoneis ready to be used. At step 830, a reception (via SMS message) of anopen lock command may be detected. The open lock command may betransmitted by another smartphone (e.g., master-slave relay system).Rolling codes may be used for security purposes. At step 840, the LEDmay be driven following a VLC protocol, with sequences of bits “0” and“1” represented by the width of the optical pulse to transmit thenecessary information (e.g., key code, open signal, lock signal) viavisible light. At step 850, the operation may end.

Referring to FIG. 9, a smartphone may be used as a hardware key device.At step 910, initialization may include requesting permission to useaudio playback functionality of the smartphone. At step 920, idle mayindicate that the playback functionality of the smartphone is ready tobe used. At step 930, a button (mechanical, digital) press of thesmartphone may be detected. At step 940, the LED of the smartphone maybe driven by playing a prerecorded audio code to transmit the necessaryinformation (e.g., key code, open signal, lock signal) via visiblelight. The prerecorded audio code may include an audio file to drive theLED through the smartphone's audio jack. The prerecorded audio code mayinclude a two-channel audio file which may drive the LED (e.g., to 38kHz via a 20 kHz audio jack). In some implementations, the two-channelsof the audio file may be reverse of each other (e.g., the left channelis inverse of the right channel). At step 950, the operation may end.

Referring to FIG. 10, at step 1010, a VLC smart lock apparatus may beinitialized (set input/output pin configurations). At step 1020, idlemay indicate that the VLC smart lock apparatus is waiting for incomingsignals. At step 1030, if input pins status changes, an interruptservice routine may be called. The interrupt service routine may receivethe signal using finite state machine on the change on input pin level.At step 1040, if an appropriate signal (containing key) is received, aglobal flag (e.g., keyReceived) may be set to TRUE. At step 1050, lockmotor may be enable to operate (e.g., unlock) a lock. An electronic keysignal may drive to lock motor to open the lock. At step 1060, theoperation may end.

In some implementations, the VLC lock devices disclosed herein may beused to control access to intangible things. For example, a VLC smartlock apparatus and a hardware key device may be used for facilitating(electronic) payment. The VLC smart lock apparatus may beincluded/embedded in a payment device (e.g., ATM, smartphone) and thehardware key device may be included/embedded in a user device (e.g.,smartphone). The payment device and the user device may each include apair of VLC transmitter and receiver to facilitate communication betweenthe payment machine and the user device. The LED (e.g., flashlight) ofthe user device may be modulated to transmit data-modulated visiblelight signal to the PD in the payment device. Security verification andtransaction confirmation information may be sent from the payment deviceto the user device using VLC. The payment transaction information may becarried on modulated visible light signals.

For example, FIG. 11 shows an example payment system including twosmartphones 1110, 1120. The smartphone 1110 may transmit light includingVLC signals/key codes using the LED 1112 and receive light including VLCsignals/key codes using the imager 1114. The smartphone 1120 maytransmit light including VLC signals/key codes using the LED 1122 andreceive light including VLC signals/key codes using the imager 1124. Theoptical communication 1140 enabled by the pairs of VLC transmitter andreceiver may be used to facilitate communication between a paymentmachine (e.g., the smartphone 1110) and the user device (e.g., thesmartphone 1120).

As another example, FIG. 12 shows an example payment system including asmartphones 1210 and an ATM 1220. The smartphone 1210 may transmit lightincluding VLC signals/key codes using the LED 1212 and receive lightincluding VLC signals/key codes using the imager 1214. The ATM 1220 maytransmit light including VLC signals/key codes using the LED 1222 andreceive light including VLC signals/key codes using the imager 1224. Theoptical communication 1240 enabled by the pairs of VLC transmitter andreceiver may be used to facilitate communication between the ATM 1220(the payment machine) and the smartphone 1210 (the user device). Thepayment transactions between the smartphone 1210 and the ATM 1220 mayinclude one or more withdrawals (e.g., exchanging VLC signals betweenthe smartphone 1210 and the ATM 1220 to receive physical/digital fundsfrom the ATM 1220), one or more deposits (e.g., exchanging VLC signalsbetween the smartphone 1210 and the ATM 1220 to transfer digital fundsto the ATM 1220), and/or other payment transactions.

Example coding program functions for electronic payment are describedbelow. The user device may be initialized for VLC communication (e.g.,request permission to use camera and LED of the smartphone). Thesmartphone may idle once the LED is ready to be used. Responsive to abutton press (e.g., a “Transaction” button on smartphone screen),payment/transaction routine may operate to turn on the LED. The LED maybe drive using a VLC protocol, with sequences of bits “0” and “1”represented by the width of the optical pulse to transmit the necessaryinformation.

The payment device may be initialized for VLC communication (e.g.,request permission to use PD of the ATM). The payment device may idlewhile waiting for VLC signal. Once correct VLC signal is received, aninterrupt service routine may be called to set a global flag (e.g.,keyReceived) to TRUE. Once the value of the global flag is set to TRUEand the security codes are verified, payment transaction may be enabled.A “transaction” command may cause the ATM to process the electronicpayment transaction.

As another example, the VLC smart lock and the hardware key device maybe included/embedded in multiple user devices (e.g., multiplesmartphones) in a payment system. Peer-to-peer transfer of money may beeffectuated using VLC communication. Existing LED and PD of smartphonemay be used as VLC transmitter and receiver, respectively. The LED ofsmartphone-1 may be modulated to transmit data-modulated visible lightsignals to the PD detector of smartphone-2. The security verificationand transaction confirmation information may be transmitted by the LEDof smartphone-2 and may be received by the PD of smartphone-1. Thepayment transaction information may be carried on the modulated visiblelight signals. In some implementations, one or more banks may beinvolved in the background to verify and complete the peer-to-peertransaction.

Example coding program functions for peer-to-peer transaction aredescribed below. The smartphone-1 may be initialized for VLCcommunication (e.g., request permission to use camera and LED of thesmartphone). The smartphone-1 may idle once the LED is ready to be used.Responsive to a button press (e.g., a “Transaction” button on smartphonescreen), payment/transaction routine may operate to turn on the LED ofthe smartphone-1. The LED may be drive using a VLC protocol, withsequences of bits “0” and “1” represented by the width of the opticalpulse to transmit the necessary information.

The smartphone-2 may be initialized for VLC communication (e.g., requestpermission to use PD of the smartphone-2). The smartphone-2 may idlewhile waiting for VLC signal. Once correct VLC signal is received, aninterrupt service routine may be called to set a global flag (e.g.,keyReceived) to TRUE. Once the value of the global flag is set to TRUEand the security codes are verified, transfer transaction may beenabled. The smartphone-1 and/or the smartphone-2 may send transactioninformation to one or more bank system (e.g., through cellular phonenetworks).

Spatially relative terms such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,”“upper,” “left,” “right,” and the like, are used for ease of descriptionto explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element.These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in addition to different orientations than those depicted in thefigures. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” and the like, arealso used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and arealso not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elementsthroughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having,” “containing,” “including,”“comprising,” and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainimplementations and examples, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that the present invention extends beyond the specificallydisclosed implementations to other alternative implementations and/oruses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention hereindisclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedimplementations described above.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeabilityof various features from different implementations. In addition to thevariations described herein, other known equivalents for each featurecan be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art toconstruct analogous systems and techniques in accordance with principlesof the present invention.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantagesmay be achieved in accordance with any particular implementation of theinvention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as maybe taught or suggested herein.

1. A visible light communication (VLC) smart lock apparatus, comprising:a photodetector configured to receive visible light emitted from ahardware key device; a VLC decoder coupled to the photodetector, the VLCdecoder configured to decode the visible light received by thephotodetector to obtain a key code; a controller coupled to the VLCdecoder; a memory coupled to the controller, the memory configured tostore a preset key code; and a lock coupled to the controller; whereinthe controller is configured to unlock the lock when the preset key codeis associated with the key code; wherein the key code comprises anidentification of the hardware key device, and the controller isconfigured to unlock the lock when preset key code is associated withthe identification of the hardware key device.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the hardware key device comprises asmartphone, and the identification of the smartphone is selected from agroup consisting of an IMEI number, a MEID number, a product serialnumber, and a phone number of the smartphone.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the hardware key device comprises a first smartphone, and thefirst smartphone is configured to receive the key code from a secondsmartphone via wireless communication.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the first smartphone is configured to receive the key code fromthe second smartphone via text messaging.
 6. A visible lightcommunication (VLC) smart lock apparatus, comprising: a photodetectorconfigured to receive visible light emitted from a hardware key device;a VLC decoder coupled to the photodetector, the VLC decoder configuredto decode the visible light received by the photodetector to obtain akey code; a controller coupled to the VLC decoder; a memory coupled tothe controller, the memory configured to store a preset key code; and alock coupled to the controller; wherein the controller is configured tounlock the lock when the preset key code is associated with the key codewherein the hardware key device is configured to obtain biometricinformation of a user, the key code comprises an identification of theuser based on the biometric information of the user, and the controlleris configured to unlock the lock when preset key code is associated withan identification of the user.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an input device for inputting the preset key code.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the input device comprises a fieldprogramming tool.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an LEDconfigured as a VLC transmitter to emit visible light in accordance witha VLC signal, and a VLC encoder configured to encode the VLC signal. 10.A visible light communication (VLC) smart lock apparatus, comprising: aphotodetector configured to receive visible light emitted from ahardware key device; a VLC decoder coupled to the photodetector, the VLCdecoder configured to decode the visible light received by thephotodetector to obtain a key code; a controller coupled to the VLCdecoder; a memory coupled to the controller, the memory configured tostore a preset key code; and a lock coupled to the controller; whereinthe controller, the memory, and the VLC decoder are integrated in anintegrated circuit.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lock isembedded in a door.
 12. A visible light communication (VLC) smart lockapparatus, comprising: a photodetector configured to receive visiblelight emitted from a hardware key device; a VLC decoder coupled to thephotodetector, the VLC decoder configured to decode the visible lightreceived by the photodetector to obtain a key code; a controller coupledto the VLC decoder; a memory coupled to the controller, the memoryconfigured to store a preset key code; and a lock coupled to thecontroller; wherein the lock comprises a door lock for a garage, and thehardware key device comprises a light of a car.
 13. A visible lightcommunication (VLC) smart lock apparatus, comprising: a photodetectorconfigured to receive visible light emitted from a hardware key device;a VLC decoder coupled to the photodetector, the VLC decoder configuredto decode the visible light received by the photodetector to obtain akey code; a controller coupled to the VLC decoder; a memory coupled tothe controller, the memory configured to store a preset key code; and alock coupled to the controller; wherein the lock comprises a bicyclelock.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a battery topower the VLC smart lock apparatus and a photovoltaic (PV) panelconfigured to charge the battery.
 15. An integrated circuit for avisible light communication (VLC) smart lock apparatus, comprising: aVLC signal channel configured to receive a digital signal from aphotodetector configured to receive visible light emitted from ahardware key device; a VLC decoder coupled to the VLC signal channel,the VLC decoder configured to decode the digital signal from thephotodetector to obtain a key code; a controller coupled to the VLCdecoder; and a memory coupled to the controller, the memory configuredto store a preset key code; wherein the controller is configured todetermine whether the preset key code is associated with the key code.16. The integrated circuit of claim 15, wherein the key code comprisesan identification of the hardware key device, and the preset key code isassociated with the identification of the hardware key device.
 17. Theintegrated circuit of claim 16, wherein the hardware key devicecomprises a smartphone, and the identification is selected from a groupconsisting of an IMEI number, a MEID number, a product serial number anda phone number of the smartphone.
 18. The integrated circuit of claim15, further comprising an input port for inputting the preset key code.19. The integrated circuit of claim 18, wherein the preset key code isfield programmable.
 20. The integrated circuit of claim 15, furthercomprising an LED configured as a VLC transmitter to emit visible lightin accordance with a VLC signal, and a VLC encoder configured to encodethe VLC signal.
 21. The integrated circuit of claim 15, furthercomprising the photodetector.
 22. The integrated circuit of claim 21,wherein the integrated circuit comprises a System-on-a-Chip (SoC)system, wherein the controller, the memory, and the VLC decoder arefabricated on a first portion of a silicon substrate, and thephotodetector is fabricated from silicon or a compound semiconductorisland selectively grown on a second portion of the silicon substrate.23. The integrated circuit of claim 22, wherein the compoundsemiconductor is GaN.
 24. The integrated circuit of claim 21, whereinthe integrated circuit is packaged in a System-in-a-Package (SiP)system, wherein the controller, the memory, and the VLC decoder arefabricated on a silicon substrate, and the photodetector is fabricatedfrom a compound semiconductor.
 25. The integrated circuit of claim 15,wherein integrated circuit is embedded in a first device in a paymentsystem.
 26. The integrated circuit of claim 25, wherein the hardware keydevice comprises a second device in the payment system.